Gender inequality is reflected in traditional ideas about the roles of women and men. Though they have shifted over time, the assumptions and stereotypes that underpin those ideas are often deeply rooted.

A large majority of people that have been pregnant or have given birth identify as women. We can include intersex men and transmen who may get pregnant by saying ‘pregnant people’ instead of ‘expectant mothers’.

If you carry a child in your womb for nine months and then give birth, you are a mother. Biology doesn’t care for your feelings. But the BMA clearly does, changing language for the benefit of a tiny number of “pregnant people” involved.